And I mean it. The technologies we have at our disposal now vs 20 years ago is truly amazing! This means you have more than one way ‘to skin a cat’ (I can see the cat owners freaking out already, sorry) We have the internet with social media, You Tube and online e-commerce. We also have FDM or 3D rapid prototyping printers available now that were considered ‘Star Trek’ technologies just 30 years ago. This does not always mean your job is easier, but that you have more options to choose from based on your project needs.
I work at one of the worlds best Research /Engineering companies and we solve complex problems all day and every day. Some are quite wild and I can’t even tell you about them, but this I can-
For many people, the ‘idea’ phase of thier invention is easy. They know what the desired end result is, they just don’t know how to get there. Bringing that from an idea to an item you can physically touch and use really is the daunting part it seems!
I usually start just like most people with a drawing or sketch of my rough prototype. After some redraws it moves to the computer where I model it using TrueSpace and/or SolidWorks. Some more tweaks and maybe even some FEA or simulation tests and then it’s ready to be physically prototyped. Do as much work on your computer as possible: electrons recycle really well and the cost is very low. Once I"m comfortable with the computer models then it’s time to get a hands on prototype going. For instance, I use an Eden Objet 260 3D printer because I have access to it and it really delivers the goods for a fairly low price.
There are some online services that also use these 3D printers and are pretty decent. Most, if not all will not sign an NDA so only use them for parts or subcomponents that you have no disclosure issues with. RedEye online is just one such service-http://www.redeyeondemand.com/Tour.aspx You basically upload your computer drawings in .STL format, and they give you an instant quote on time, labor and materials to print it out or make it. Real easy.
You can also check your local colleges or universities engineering departments as well and see if they will print out jobs for a modest fee. Another option is to build your own 3D printer and 3D Laser scanner. Real cool and also fairly easy.
One DIY 3D Printer is real low cost (overall) and delivers real nice results considering. http://www.fabathome.org/
3D Laser scanners are about 2 grand nowadays for the NextGen Home version but you can build a decent one for about $300-500 bucks
http://www.3dlaserscanning.org/forum3.html
http://www.david-laserscanner.com/
All of these technologies can really help you achive your prototyping goals if you just use them. Now, arise go forth and create!
